West Ham 2-1 Manchester United: Hammers grab controversial win in stoppage time

West Ham 2-1 Manchester United: Hammers grab controversial win in stoppage time

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Manchester United were left to rue missed chances and a truly baffling refereeing decision as the lost 2-1 at West Ham on Sunday to heap further pressure on Erik ten Hag.

WATCH FULL REPLAY

Ten Hag’s side missed several glorious chances in the first half and then went behind in the second half as Crysencio Summerville finished for West Ham. Casemiro equalized soon after but in stoppage time VAR asked referee David Coote to go to the monitor for a possible foul by Matthijs de Ligt on Danny Ings and the referee awarded a penalty which Jarrod Bowen scored to win if for West Ham.

With the much-needed win Julen Lopetegui’s Hammers move to 11 points for the season as they move above Man United, who are also on 11 points and have now lost three of their first nine games.

Man United left to rue massive missed chances, once again

Okay, so it was never a penalty kick on De Ligt which ultimately lost Manchester United the game in second half stoppage time. But they should have been 3-0 up at half time, at least, as once again missing big chances came back to bite them. Erik ten Hag looked on in disbelief as Dalot missed an open goal, Fernandes missed a glorious chance, Garnacho missed another easy chance and hit the bar. That was all in the first half as Man United tore West Ham apart. But the second half was different as West Ham sat deeper, made a triple sub at half time which worked a treat to shore things up and United no longer got behind them with one long ball forward. All of the post-game talk will be about David Coote going to the monitor after VAR asked him to and awarding that controversial penalty kick, but Man United should never have been in the position to let that decision be so pivotal. Once again they missed big chances and as the pressure builds on Erik ten Hag, there’s only so much he can do. He’s setting this team up to create big chances and get in on goal but his players aren’t finishing and have scored just eight goals in nine games in the Premier League this season. Their xG total says they should have scored close to 15 and are the least clinical team in the league when it comes to xG to actual goals. That is why they’re in the mess they are in and are already six points off the top four.

West Ham vs Manchester United player ratings (via FotMob.com)

What’s next?

West Ham head to Nottingham Forest in the league on Saturday, Nov. 2. Man United are next in league action when they host Chelsea on Sunday, Nov. 3.

How to watch West Ham vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 10 am ET Sunday (October 27)
Venue: London Stadium, London
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock

West Ham vs Manchester United final score: 2-1

Summerville 74′, Bowen 92′; Casemiro 81′

West Ham vs Manchester United live updates! – By Joe Prince-Wright

Bowen slots home the penalty kick – West Ham 2-1 Manchester United

The West Ham skipper makes no mistake as he slams home into the bottom corner. That is a hugely controversial goal.

Bowen’s penalty gives West Ham lead v. Man United

Following a lengthy VAR review, Jarrod Bowen steps up to the penalty spot and drills his effort into the back of the net to give the Hammers a 2-1 lead over Manchester United.

VAR check for a possible penalty for West Ham

De Ligt bundled into Ings in the box but there isn’t much there. However, after a check on the monitor the referee awards a penalty kick. Drama!

Casemiro heads home! – West Ham 1-1 Manchester United

A clipped ball is headed back in to the mix, substitute Zirkzee heads it towards goal and and Casemiro heads home. United level late on!

Casemiro heads Manchester United level v. West Ham

Casemiro heads in a close-range effort to put Manchester United back on level terms against West Ham in the second half at London Stadium.

Hojlund misses his header and Fabianski saves

A cross into the box is dangerous but Hojlund misses his header and Fabianski claws it clear and saves the rebound.

Summerville puts West Ham ahead! – West Ham 1-0 Manchester United

A cross from Bowen sets up a chance for Ings and his scuffed shot falls straight to Summerville who finishes at the back post. His first goal for West Ham is a big one. He’s been excellent since coming on at half time. West Ham lead with just over 15 minutes to go!

Summerville gives West Ham 1-0 lead v. Man United

Crysencio Summerville makes a far post run and is able to get enough on his shot to beat Andre Onana to give the Hammers a 1-0 lead over the Red Devils at London Stadium.

Ings is on for Antonio

West Ham are hoping Danny Ings can be their hero late on…

Emerson almost converts a cross

It is all West Ham now. The cross into the box finds Emerson but he can’t sort out his feet to steer the ball in and a big chance has come and gone for West Ham. Still, they are much more competitive. Rashford has been replaced by Diallo but United have yet to get going in the second half.

Antonio curls just wide

Much, much better from West Ham so far in the second half. Michal Antonio curls just wide. The Hammers look more comfortable and are playing much deeper. That triple sub of Summerville, `Todibo and Soucek coming on at half time has had a big impact.

Onana is down getting lengthy treatment

Andre Onana comes sliding out to get the ball and just as he gets there in front of Michail Antonio he gets a clip on the head from the West Ham forward he can’t get out of the way. After lengthy checks, Onana is okay to continue and Antonio apologies for the incident. It was purely accidental and it’s great to see Onana is okay to continue.

Half time: West Ham 0-0 Manchester United

Somehow Man United aren’t ahead, but don’t ask me how. From Garnacho hitting the bar and missing a glorious chance, to Bruno Fernandes missing a big chance, Diogo Dalot missing an open goal and both Casemiro and Hojlund denied, United could be out of sight by now. But West Ham are somehow level and have had the odd chance from crosses and counters. West Ham have been very poor defensively and United continue to open them up with one long ball over the top. Surely the Hammers won’t be that open in the second half.

Fabianski denies Casemiro’s header

That is a top stop from Fabianski. Eriksen whips in a free kick and Casemiro flicks a header on which looks destined for the far corner but the veteran goalkeeper palms it away and West Ham clear.

Dalot misses an open goal!

Bruno Fernandes chips a perfect ball over the top and Diogo Dalot is in. He knocks it past Fabianski and has an open goal but he loops his shot off target with West Ham defenders rushing to get back on the line. Dalot has got it all wrong there. Yet another glorious opportunity wasted by Man United.

Hojlund denied and Fernandes should head home

West Ham are all over the place defensively as Hojlund turns and his low shot is saved well by Fabianski. Moments later a cross finds Bruno Fernandes totally unmarked but he heads wide from eight yards out. He should be scoring. United could have scored four already inside the first 15 minutes!

Another brilliant chance for United

United once again are in but Garnacho curls his shot wide of the far post. Again, he should be scoring. West Ham have been let off the hook twice early on.

Garnacho smashes the crossbar!

An awful ball out of the back is pounced on by United and the ball is played in to Garnacho in the box. He curls it towards the top corner with a first time effort but it hits the bar and comes back out. Garnacho should be finishing that. Huge chance inside the first three minutes for United.

West Ham lineup

Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Rodriguez, Alvarez; Bowen, Soler, Paqueta; Antonio

Manchester United lineup

Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Eriksen; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund

West Ham team news, focus

OUT: Niclas Fullkrug (calf), Mohammed Kudus (suspension)

Manchester United team news, focus

OUT: Leny Yoro (foot), Harry Maguire (calf), Kobbie Mainoo (other), Mason Mount (head), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Antony (ankle)

West Ham vs Manchester United prediction

Scoring chances will likely be at a premium, whether by design and/or lack of creativity between the sides, and West Ham don’t have the feel of a team that wants to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. For their considerable shortcomings, desire and effort are never a problem for United. West Ham 0-1 Manchester United.

West Ham vs Manchester United preview

Back-to-back wins would be a swell start to an unexpected rescue mission after the Red Devils (12th place – 11 points) came back from a goal down to beat Brentford last weekend. But to have any hope of surviving the intense, choppy seas of festive football on the horizon, Manchester Untied are going to have to score some bloody goals. Only three sides have scored fewer goals than Man United (7) though 8 games, and those sides currently sit 18th, 17th and 19th in the Premier League table. United, for their part, are only slightly better off in 12th with a -2 goal difference. Alejandro Garnacho has 2 goals and Bruno Fernandes has 2 assists, but no one else in the team has more than one goal or assist thus far.

West Ham (15th – 8 points) are off to a rather poor start of their own, as only three sides have conceded more goals than the Hammer (15) through 8 games, perhaps hitting rock bottom last weekend as they were beaten 4-1 by rivals Tottenham and star attacker Mohammed Kudus was sent off for violent conduct which is expected to lead to a lengthier ban. The defensive woes are hardly new, though, as Julen Lopetegui took over in the summer and inherited a team from David Moyes that conceded 74 times in 38 games last season (4th-most). Max Kilman ($51 million) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka ($19 million) were signed in a busy summer transfer window, but the defensive issues persist nonetheless.




Source link

Trump rallied in Madison Square Garden in a state he says he could win : NPR

Trump rallied in Madison Square Garden in a state he says he could win : NPR

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Bryce Jordan Center on Oct. 26. in State College, Pa.

Alex Brandon/AP


hide caption

toggle caption

Alex Brandon/AP

Former President Donald Trump rallied in Madison Square Garden Sunday evening — leaving key battleground states and instead spending precious time in liberal New York City for an “epic event,” according to the Trump campaign.

The splashy rally itself — in a landmark arena that has played host to superstars, musicians, and political events in the past — threatened at times to be overshadowed by the vitriol coming from the speakers who preceded Trump at the event.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday in New York City.

This isn’t the first time Trump has rallied in and around New York City. Back in May, during his felony hush-money trial, the former president campaigned in the South Bronx, courting minority voters. Then in September, Trump held another rally in Long Island where he told the crowd, “We are going to win New York.”

The former president lost his home state by around 23 percentage points during the 2016 and 2020 elections. Current polling averages of the Empire State show Trump is trailing Vice President Harris by around 15 points.

Supporters hold signs as former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event for Vice President Harris in Pittsburgh on Oct. 10.

Despite this, the Trump campaign is pouring significant resources and star power into Sunday’s rally at Madison Square Garden. Star surrogates like former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), tech billionaire Elon Musk and Trump running mate Sen. JD Vance (Ohio) are all set to speak. They will notably not be in key swing states — the ones that will determine who wins the White House.

Harris, meanwhile, spent her Sunday in a swing state — Pennsylvania — speaking after the sermon at the Church of Christian Compassion in West Philadelphia, and picking up some books at Hakim’s Bookstore.

She met with a group of young Black men at PhillyCuts barbershop, and sat in a chair that the barbers called the “lucky chair” — they told her that all candidates running for office who sat in it won their elections.

Vice President Harris sits in the “lucky chair” at PhillyCuts on Oct. 27, 2024 in Philadelphia. According to the barbershop, anybody that has run for office and has sat in that chair has won their race.

Vice President Harris sits in the “lucky chair” at PhillyCuts on Oct. 27, 2024 in Philadelphia. According to the barbershop, anybody that has run for office and has sat in that chair has won their race.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images


hide caption

toggle caption

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

House control via New York

A closer look at the guest list provides political reasons for the Madison Square Garden rally. The list features prominent Republicans House Speaker Mike Johnson and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik.

Back in 2022, Republicans narrowly won control of the U.S. House thanks to a handful of New York districts that elected Republicans — such as Rep. Nick LaLota, Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and Rep. Mike Lawler. These Republicans, who represent districts from Long Island to Syracuse, now face tough races against Democrats this November.

Left: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul attends the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum on Sept. 11, 2024 in New York City. Middle: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) speaks during a news conference on the Family and Medical Leave Act at the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2023 in Washington, DC. Right: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on June 14, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Trump likely won’t win the Empire State for himself this year, but the campaign is certainly working hard to keep Republican control of the U.S. House.

Beyond political strategy, the event is gaining attention — a important commodity in the final days of the election. Madison Square Garden also has a storied political past.

In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave one of his most important and combative speeches at the New York venue, railing against the establishment. Three years later, 20,000 gathered there for a “Pro America Rally” supporting Adolf Hilter in 1939.

And in 1962, Marilyn Monroe sang happy birthday to 45-year-old President John F. Kennedy. In 2004, the Garden hosted the Republican National Convention. Now it welcomes a Republican once again.

NPR’s Asma Khalid contributed to this report from Philadelphia.


Source link

Instant analysis | Commanders cruise to 5-2 with 40-7 win vs. Panthers

Instant analysis | Commanders cruise to 5-2 with 40-7 win vs. Panthers

by with No Comment Uncategorized

It’s probably difficult for Washington Commanders fans to describe how they feel right now.

Washington, who returned to Northwest Stadium after suffering a Week 6 loss against the Baltimore Ravens to take on the Carolina Panthers and retire Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green’s jersey number, rolled the struggling NFC South opponent on both sides of the ball. They were up 34-0 six minutes into the third quarter, and the defense, which was tied for the fewest forced interceptions in the league, got two on the day, one of which was returned for a touchdown, as part of an overall smothering performance.

As exciting as it is for the Burgundy & Gold faithful, most of their attention was focused on quarterback Jayden Daniels, who left the 40-7 victory in the first quarter with a rib injury.

It is unclear on exactly which play Daniels sustained his injury, but it occurred on the opening drive for the Commanders’ offense. Daniels opened the day with a 46-yard run and got Washington down to the Panthers’ 5-yard line, but it was clear that he was experiencing some discomfort. The drive ended with a field goal, and Daniels went into the blue medical tent after talking to the medical staff.

Daniels tried warming up for the Commanders’ next offensive possession but was still experiencing some discomfort. He went to the locker room and was ruled out at the start of the second half. He returned to the sideline in street clothes and waved to the crowd, apparently in good spirits.

Coach Dan Quinn did not have an update on Daniels’ status after the game but did acknowledge the quarterback would go through more testing on Monday.


Source link

Bo Nix ties John Elway, Drew Lock for Broncos’ rookie QB win record

Bo Nix ties John Elway, Drew Lock for Broncos’ rookie QB win record

by with No Comment Uncategorized

On the night the Saints honored quarterback Drew Brees, the quarterback whom Sean Payton hopes to groom into a player on Brees’s level matched a mark set by John Elway more than 40 years ago.

With four wins in seven starts, Bo Nix tied the Broncos’ franchise record for most wins by a rookie quarterback in a season. Drew Lock reached that mark in 2019.

“It means a lot,” Nix told reporters after the 33-10 victory over the Saints. “You’re talking about one of the greats to ever do it at our organization. It means a lot. You’re in great company. I am not finished. We have a lot in front of us, so I definitely don’t want to stop there. We are going to continue to get better as a team. I am going to continue to grow and learn as a player. Hopefully, we will continue to have wins like this.”

In 1983, Elway got his fourth win in Week 15, finishing the season with a record of 4-7 as a starter. Lock went 4-1 in five starts, five years ago.

Nix has 10 chances left to pass Elway and Lock. The question at this point isn’t whether he will; the question is how far will he separate from them?

Up next, the Panthers. Which will give Nix a great chance to get to his fifth win. (After that, things get a little harder, with games against the Ravens, Chiefs, and Falcons.)

After starting 0-2, the Broncos have won four of five games. A stifling defense has helped. But Nix has shown improvement. He completed 16 of 26 passes last night, for 164 yards. He also gained 75 yards on the ground, on 10 attempts.

He’s got a long way to go to perform like Brees as a very. However, Nix is already winning like Elway as a rookie. And it can only get better from here as the Broncos force themselves into the playoff race in the AFC.




Source link

5 Big Takeaways From Virginia Tech’s win vs Boston College

5 Big Takeaways From Virginia Tech’s win vs Boston College

by with No Comment Uncategorized

1. The Run Game

Kyron Drones and Bhayshul Tuten had big games rushing the football. Drones opened the game by rushing for an 11-yard touchdown on his first series and finished the first half with two rushing touchdowns, his first multi-rush touchdown game since Pitt a season ago. Tuten had his longest career run of 83 yards for a touchdown to start the 2nd quarter and extended his streak of scoring at least one rushing touchdown a game to nine. Tuten now owns the Virginia Tech single-game record for rushing yards.

2. The Defense

On the first drive, Virginia Tech got a three and out, followed it up the next with a forced fumble from defensive lineman Kelvin Gilliam Jr. The defense held Boston College scoreless in the first quarter and forced a fumble to start the second. This continued to be the story as the Hokies forced five fumbles for the evening. The defense began the second half by giving up three straight scoring drives and eventually got back in rhythm in the 4th quarter. Antwaun Powell-Ryland had an amazing night, finishing with four sacks.

3. Very Efficient First Half

The Hokies were able to move the ball and get stops efficiently in the first half, only allowing 134 yards of total offense from Boston College and gaining 332 yards of total offense. The defense forced four fumbles in the first half and the offense had it going on both the ground and in the air, Kyron Drones passed for 164 yards and a touchdown.

4. Second Half Woes (especially the 3rd quarter)

The team started the 3rd quarter scoreless on offense and allowed a three-yard touchdown run on defense to open up the 2nd half. This season, we’ve seen this be an ongoing problem for the Hokies whether it be the first or second half, the team just can’t put together a complete and good game for all four quarters.

5. Bhayshul Tuten

Bhayshul Tuten continues to lead the way for this Virginia Tech Hokies team, with the way he continues to be a duo threat on offense. Tuten can both catch and run which we saw on display tonight, he ran for 266 yards, three rushing touchdowns, and one reception for a 20-yard receiving touchdown. The more versatility that Tuten continues to show, the more his draft stock and Heisman ranking will continue to rise. Tuten also finished the game with the most rushing yards in Virginia Tech Football history.

Additional Links:

Virginia Tech vs Boston College: Live Updates, Scores, Stats, and Highlights From Tonight’s Week Eight Matchup

Virginia Tech vs Boson College: Hokies Close as 8.5 Point Favorites vs the Eagles

Virginia Tech Football: Three Keys To Victory For The Hokies Against Boston College


Source link

Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix Ties John Elway, Drew Lock For Rookie Quarterback Win Record

Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix Ties John Elway, Drew Lock For Rookie Quarterback Win Record

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix led the Denver Broncos to a 33-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football.

The former Oregon Duck reached a major rookie milestone on an emotional evening as Denver coach Sean Payton played his first game in the Superdome as an opposing head coach. Payton coached in New Orleans for 16 years and aided in the rebuild from Hurricane Katrina.

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerbac

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Nix has led the Broncos to a 4-3 record, their best record after seven games since the 2016 season. With those four wins, Nix tied the Broncos’ franchise record for most wins by a rookie quarterback in a season. Former Denver quarterback Drew Lock also reached that record in 2019. While NFL legend John Elway got his fourth win in Week 15 during the 1983 season. Elway’s rookie season was rough, finishing with a 4-7 record as a starter.

“It means a lot,” Nix said after the win in the Superdome. “You’re talking about one of the greats to ever do it at our organization. It means a lot. You’re in great company. I am not finished. We have a lot in front of us, so I definitely don’t want to stop there.”

Nix has a chance to get his fifth win, and surpass both Lock and Elway, next Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

The Saints also started a rookie at quarterback, Spencer Rattler, who New Orleans drafted with the 150th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the first quarter against the New Orleans S

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Though this game was overall a showing of rookie mistakes from both quarterbacks, as the Broncos slowly dismantled an incohesive and injury plagued Saints team to crank out a very secure 33-10 win. This win is a positive sign for Denver after a heartbreaking loss against the Chargers the previous week, which busted a three-game win streak.

Against the Saints, Nix started off clunky for the Broncos’ first drive on offense. After rushing for two first downs for Denver, Nix threw three incompletions. Two of those incompletions were an overthrow (to tight end Lucas Krull) and underthrow (to former Duck wide receiver Troy Franklin) by Nix, with two wide open receivers unable to catch his passes.

After this drive is when Denver began to rely more on Nix’s legs and short passes instead of long targets downfield. The next two offensive drives for Denver ended in field goals. Javonte Williams punched in Denver’s first rushing touchdown during the Broncos’ first drive of the second quarter. Heading into the half with another field goal under their belt, the Broncos had the Saints shut down 16-0.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton greets New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) after the Broncos defeated t

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton greets New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) after the Broncos defeated the Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

During the last drive of the half, Nix did attempt a few deep balls that didn’t connect, but for the most part, Nix stuck to a formula of pass-offs for rushing attempts, quarterback keepers, and short passes. Nix went 13-of-21 passing for 134 yards that half, and further showing his biggest asset is his mobility in the run game. Nix had zero turnovers and zero sacks going into the lockerroom.

Also, a quick shoutout to Denver Bronco and fellow former Duck, Alex Forsyth. The former star center and leader of the Ducks from 2017-2022 worked his way up to the Broncos’ starting center position. During the game vs. the Saints, Forsyth shined, giving Nix extra room in the pocket and enforcing more rushing opportunities for the Broncos. The Broncos averaged 6.4 yards per carry against the Saints. Forsyth is also a huge contributor to Nix not seeing turf for a sack this game.

Coming out of the half, the Broncos picked up another field goal and then touchdown in the third quarter before going scoreless through the fourth. With a little less than seven minutes in the third quarter and on a third down, Nix kept the ball for a 33-yard run for a first down which was essential for keeping the Broncos’ drive alive and was one of his best plays of the game. The analysts for the broadcast compared Nix to Taysom Hill after the play. That run ended in the only touchdown the Broncos scored in the second half.

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) scrambles out the pocket against New Orlea

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) scrambles out the pocket against New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Overall, Nix ended the contest with 16-26 (61.5%) for 164 yards on passing. He went 75 yards for ten rushing attempts. He ended the game with zero interceptions and no sacks thanks to his offensive line and athleticism moving out of the pocket for rushing attempts.

Though with rookie growing pains, Nix is helping lead the Broncos with coach Sean Payton to a 4-3 record, potentially setting up the Broncos for a playoff run down the line. As long as Nix can stay healthy and not get too banged up when hitting the ground game, it should be interesting to see how this former Duck continues to develop as the first rookie captain for the Broncos in over 50 years.

The Broncos take on the Carolina Panthers next Sunday, October 27, at home at 1:25pm PST.

MORE: Oregon Ducks ‘Great Chance’ To Land 5-Star Recruit Jahkeem Stewart Over LSU, USC, Ohio State?

MORE: Oregon Ducks vs. Purdue Injury Update: Jordan Burch, Matthew Bedford, Gary Bryant Jr.

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning: Internal Discipline For Traeshon Holden’s Ejection?

MORE: Purdue Boilermakers Reveal Starting Quarterback vs. Oregon Ducks

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Emotional Video of Nike Founder Phil Knight After Ohio State Win

MORE: Kirk Herbstreit Ranks Oregon Ducks Coach Dan Lanning After Beating Ohio State

MORE: Oregon Ducks Recruiting Chance To Flip Five-Star Kansas State Commit Linkon Cure?


Source link

‘Rally snake’? Serpent in Dodgers’ dugout didn’t deliver luck

‘Rally snake’? Serpent in Dodgers’ dugout didn’t deliver luck

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Baseball players are notorious for playing practical jokes on one another. Several undoubtedly have involved snakes of the rubber, plastic or even robotic variety.

But a snake slithering across the top step of the dugout when your team is trailing by six runs in the fifth inning of a National League Championship Series game? Wrong place, wrong time.

So it dawned on Dodgers pitcher Brent Honeywell Jr., catcher Will Smith and bench coach Danny Lehmann that the serpent in the Dodgers’ dugout on Monday was real and would be best avoided. Honeywell and Smith were returning to the dugout after retiring the New York Mets in the fifth. Lehmann was greeting them from inside the dugout.

They looked down and gave the snake the right of way. A Dodgers clubhouse attendant swooped in and deftly collected the serpentine intruder in a towel.

Could it have been an omen? An AI overview said that seeing a snake when you are down can be considered a positive omen, symbolizing transformation, rebirth and renewal.

Sure enough, Max Muncy homered to put the Dodgers on the board in the bottom of the fifth and a two-run single by Tommy Edman in the sixth cut the deficit to 6-3.

Alas, the Dodgers’ rally stopped there and the Mets closed out the game to win 7-3 and knot the best-of-seven series at one win apiece.

All that was left were pithy comments, beginning with this call from FOX play-by-play commentator Joe Davis: “We’ve had ‘Snakes on a Plane’, ‘Snakes on a Train’ and the latest Hollywood hit: ‘Snake in the Dugout.’”

On X, comments ranged from obligatory nods toward infiltration by the Arizona Diamondbacks to wondering if Shohei Ohtani‘s deceitful former translator and inveterate gambler Ippei Mizuhara had returned.

More than one referred to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ claim after Game 2 of the NLDS that San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado threw a ball in his direction, saying, “That was very bothersome. If it was intended at me, I would be very — it’s pretty disrespectful.”

After the Dodgers won the series, Roberts admitted his comments about Machado might have been a bit of gamesmanship to motivate his players. So, of course, a social media comment posited that Roberts said of the snake, “I was told that [Mets shortstop Francisco] Lindor did this in between innings, it has our guys really fired up.”

Jokes aside, Honeywell wasn’t fazed, throwing two more scoreless innings. After all, he’d seen a far larger and more menacing reptile in a dugout.

In 2015, when he was a Tampa Bay Rays minor leaguer, Honeywell stepped into the dugout to see his teammates gawking at an alligator.

“There was an 8- or 9-foot alligator in the dugout under the bench,” Honeywell told The Times. “It had rained a bunch. They just got him out of there. It crawled back in the water.”

Faced with another scaly creature Monday, Honeywell hoped the snake would be a good omen for the Dodgers.

“I hoped it was a rally snake, and we pushed a few runs across right after that, but … “


Source link

Mets’ Sean Manaea, Edwin Diaz unfazed by Dodgers hitters in NLCS Game 2 win

Mets’ Sean Manaea, Edwin Diaz unfazed by Dodgers hitters in NLCS Game 2 win

by with No Comment Uncategorized

After allowing nine runs in Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday, the Mets pitching staff held the powerful Dodgers’ lineup to just three runs in Monday’s Game 2 win.

Starter Sean Manaea struck out seven and tossed five innings before the bullpen took over with the bases loaded in the sixth inning. Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek, and Edwin Diaz each escaped a jam and threw 1.1 IP to close out the final four innings. More impressively, the four pitchers held the heart of the Dodgers order hitless — a combined 0-for-19 with five walks against Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith.

Manaea struck out Ohtani twice and got him to pop out, as the star slugger finished 0-for-3 with two walks. After the win, the left-hander asked how it was to get the likely NL MVP out three times, saying it’s just part of his job.

“It’s great, he’s just one of the guys in the lineup,” Manaea said. “I’m just trying to do my job and put up zeros. Obviously, he’s very talented, so I’m just trying to get on to the next guy and do my job.”

New York took a commanding 6-0 lead in the second inning after Mark Vientos‘ grand slam, as Manaea said the run support certainly helps, but doesn’t change his game plan.

“It doesn’t really change anything, still just trying to attack guys and get ahead and go right after them,” Manaea said. “With a big lead like that it just makes it so you can breathe a little bit. Not trying to do too much. Definitely helps out a lot.”

With New York up 6-3 in the eighth and two runners on, Carlos Mendoza opted to bring in Diaz to get the final four outs of the game. The closer threw four straight sliders before getting Enrique Hernández to fly out and end the eighth.

“I just was following Alvy [Francisco Alvarez],” Diaz told SNY’s Steve Gelbs after the game. “I was feeling good with my slider today. I think I threw it really good in the bullpen. I just follow him, made good pitches, and get the out in the eighth.”

Diaz then got into some trouble in the ninth by letting up a single and walking Ohtani, but he found a way to settle down and throw strikes with his fastball instead to get the final three outs.

“We are winning by four runs, I get some traffic, the blooper, and then the walk to Ohtani,” Diaz said. “Then I say I got to keep trusting my stuff. My fastball was really good today We started throwing it and we got outs.”

He added on his fastball: “It’s really good, good life. I have a lot of good life in my fastball, it feels really, really good. I think that’s the pitch that can get me out of trouble. I will keep throwing it.”

Like Manaea, Diaz said he doesn’t change his approach when facing a hitter like Ohtani. The star is now 0-for-4 against Diaz in his career (including postseason) over six plate appearances.

“My last two ABs against him, I’ve walked him, but at the same time I try to challenge him,” Diaz said. “He’s one of the best in the league, but I got really good stuff. I trust my stuff always against any hitters. To him, I just go after him. Hit the ball, if you get to two strikes, I will try to make you chase.”

With the NLCS now tied at 1-1 and heading back to New York for Games 3 through 5, Diaz and the Mets hope to continue this run and wrap things up at Citi Field.

“Personally I feel great, got a W here in LA,” Diaz said. “Going back home, play three more games there, we have a chance to take the series at home…. Just continue what we’re doing and we’ll be fine.”


Source link

Brown’s Five Thoughts on Ravens’ Offense, Win vs. Commanders

Brown’s Five Thoughts on Ravens’ Offense, Win vs. Commanders

by with No Comment Uncategorized

The Ravens’ offense is humming in harmony.

Once Baltimore’s offense got rolling, the Commanders couldn’t stop it. Baltimore’s final six possessions resulted in three touchdowns, two fields goals, and a seven-play drive that ran out the game’s final 2:48 and ended in victory formation.

The Ravens did a masterful job using their many weapons. They averaged a season-high 7.4 yards per play, even better than Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals when they averaged 6.8 yards while scoring 41 points.

Jackson was less spectacular than he was in Cincinnati, but more surgical. He still threw for 323 yards and one touchdown and took advantage of Washington loading the box to stop Henry. Baltimore had touchdown drives of 93 and 94 yards. Those kind of long marches demoralize an opponent.

Jackson’s main target was Flowers (nine catches, 132 yards), who used his quickness to take advantage of man-to-man coverage, getting open and picking up yards after the catch. Rashod Bateman caught every pass when he was targeted (four catches, 71 yards), and Mark Andrews (three catches, 71 yards) scored his first touchdown of 2024.

Meanwhile, Henry (24 carries, 132 yards) went over 100 yards for the third time in four weeks. He’s called “The King,” but maybe “The Closer” would be a better nickname. A long run by Henry in the fourth quarter is becoming like a victory cigar for the Ravens. One week after his 51-yard gallop in overtime helped subdue the Bengals, Henry ripped off a 27-yard run just prior to the two-minute warning that basically sealed Washington’s fate.

Jackson describes Baltimore as a pick-your-poison offense, and recent opponents have been unable to find an antidote. This is what the Ravens envisioned in the second year with Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, and with the addition of Henry. During training camp, they talked about running it effectively, throwing it effectively, and keeping opponents off balance with the diversity of their attack. That vision has come to fruition.


Source link

Eagles coach Sirianni unhappy with booing in win over Browns

Eagles coach Sirianni unhappy with booing in win over Browns

by with No Comment Uncategorized

  • Tim McManus, ESPN Staff WriterOct 13, 2024, 06:56 PM ET

    Close

      Tim McManus covers the Philadelphia Eagles for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2016 after covering the Eagles for Philadelphia Magazine’s Birds 24/7, a site he helped create, since 2010. You can follow him on Twitter @Tim_McManus.

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was seen on camera yelling and gesturing toward a group of fans at the end of Sunday’s 20-16 home win over the Cleveland Browns as boos rained down for parts of a game in which the offense sputtered at times and the talent-rich Eagles struggled to separate from the now 1-5 Browns.

Sirianni, wearing a wry smile and offering a wink, said he was “just excited to get the win” in explaining his interaction with the fans and praised the crowd for being loud and inducing a couple of Cleveland false-start penalties.

But when asked about the jeering the Eagles received in their home stadium, Sirianni acknowledged they could do without the negativity.

“We thrive off the crowd when they cheer for us. That’s all I’ll say,” Sirianni said. “We hear them when they boo. We don’t necessarily like it. I don’t think that’s productive for anybody. But when they cheer for us and when we’ve got them rolling, we love it.”

Sirianni has been a subject of criticism following last season’s collapse, when an Eagles team that started 10-1 skidded to a 1-6 finish, leading to the firing of his offensive and defensive coordinators.

The on-field product this season has left something to be desired.

The offense has been a point of frustration given the level of talent — the group boasts one of the best offensive lines in football and features A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley at the skill positions — versus the results to this point.

Since scoring 34 points in the opener against the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles have averaged 18 points in the four games since. Brown, though, has appeared in only two games because of injury, and other top players such as Smith and tackle Lane Johnson also have missed time.

Although not overwhelming, there were some sections of the crowd that started “Fire Nick” chants during a couple of down moments in the game.

And Sirianni was by far the most demonstrative he has been on the sideline this year. He jawed with multiple Browns defensive backs, including corner Greg Newsome II, and grew animated with referees on multiple occasions.

Before Sunday, he had toned down his behavior, cognizant that going after the refs in particular can send the wrong message to his players. Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie noted of Sirianni this offseason that “it can be a little bit counterproductive if he overdoes his own passion,” adding that it is about finding the “sweet spot” between bringing that passion while not overdoing it.

Sirianni revealed Sunday that the return of his fiery demeanor was at the behest of some of his players.

“I was having fun. And I kind of got some feedback from the guys, the sense of like, ‘We need you back, Nick. We need your energy. We need your focus,'” he said. “I’ve gotten that from a couple players. When I’m operating and having fun, I think that breeds to the rest of the football team. If I want the guys to celebrate and be themselves after big plays, then I should probably do that myself, right?

“Now there’s times for that and times not for that. I have to have wisdom and discernment of when to do that and when not to do that.”

Quarterback Jalen Hurts said he was one of the players who encouraged Sirianni to be himself.

“It’s a reassurance of, we trust who you are. We trust where you are as a coach, and we know we can build with you. It’s about doing it together,” Hurts said. “I’m excited for him and his growth and continue to see where he’s going, and I think it will continue to help our football team.”


Source link